240716-G-G0200-2300

U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Ryan Carpenter, right, a pilot assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751), trades patches with members of the Philippine Coast Guard, assigned to the Philippine Coast Guard Vessel Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), aboard the Waesche during a bilateral U.S.-Philippine search and rescue exercise in the South China Sea, July 16, 2024. The bilateral exercise was an opportunity to strengthen relations by working together and exchanging operating procedures and practices. Waesche is the second U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter deployed to the Indo-Pacific in 2024. Coast Guard cutters routinely deploy to the region to engage with partner nations to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ensign Julia VanLuven)